Rays get the trade season started by sending Ben Gamel to the Padres

The MLB trade deadline is approaching quickly and with the pesky All-Star break out of the way, the Tampa Bay Rays have some work to do to solidify their spot at the top of the American League East.

Most of what the Rays are looking for at the deadline is going to be on the pitching side of things as the Rays have had some injuries to some arms. The offense is pretty much set, so we can expect the Rays to center their activity on pitching. However, they will always find time to be opportunistic on the trade market.

The San Diego Padres came calling and were interested in acquiring Ben Gamel who the Rays had signed to a minor league deal before the season. Gamel had posted an .865 OPS in Triple-A so far in 2023 season, but it certainly appeared as though he wasn't in the Rays plans this season given how loaded they are.

What did the Rays get in trade from the Padres for Ben Gamel?

It was reported by FanSided's own Robert Murray that the Rays and Padres had reached a deal to send Gamel to San Diego. As of this moment, the Rays' return in the deal is not yet known. We will update you as more details come out, but tempering one's expectations for a deal for a minor league outfielder that has bounced around several organizations.

It would not be shocking if the deal was just for cash or for a player to be named later, but it is a mortal lock that you shouldn't be looking at the top of the Padres' prospect rankings for who could be coming back to Tampa Bay in this deal. Hopefully this move is just a prelude to what is looking like could be a very busy trade deadline.